FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Joyce-Gillespie-Harrington Educational & Charitable Foundation of the Zeta Upsilon Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Celebrates their 2024 Jewel College Scholarship Winners
Loudoun and Fairfax Counties, VA — April 22, 2024 — Zeta Upsilon Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. proudly presents the recipients of the prestigious 2024 Jewel College Scholarships. These outstanding individuals have demonstrated exceptional leadership, academic prowess, and commitment to their communities. Each scholarship provides $2,000 of financial support for their freshman year.
The 2024 Jewel College Scholarship winners are:
- Nicole Smith - Rock Ridge High School
- Kendall George - Freedom High School
- Logan Winthers - Potomac Falls High School
- Sean Cousins - South County High School
- Nathan Jenkins - Freedom High School
- Bryce Gunn - St. Stephen’s and St. Agnes School
- Jayden Johnson - Independence High School
- Braxton Washington - Millbrook High School
- Anthony Miranda Rios - Washington-Liberty High School
- Nicholas Glover - Potomac Falls High School
These exceptional students have distinguished themselves through their academic achievements, leadership skills, and dedication to serving their communities. Each scholarship recipient embodies the core values of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., including scholarship, leadership, and service.
The Jewel College Scholarship program aims to empower and support deserving students as they pursue higher education. By investing in these bright young minds, we are fostering the next generation of leaders who will make a positive impact in Loudoun and Fairfax Counties and beyond.
"We are thrilled to honor these remarkable individuals with the 2024 Jewel College Scholarships," said Bro. Kevin Pullen, Dir. of Educational Activities for Zeta Upsilon Lambda. "Their dedication to academic excellence and community service is truly inspiring, and we are confident that they will continue to achieve great success in their future endeavors."
The scholarship recipients will be formally recognized at the 43rd Annual Black And Gold Scholarship Ball on April 27th at the Westfields Marriott Washington Dulles, located at 14750 Conference Center Drive, Chantilly, VA 20151.
For forty-three years, the Joyce-Gillespie-Harrington Educational and Charitable Foundation of the Zeta Upsilon Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. has enriched the lives of youth and their families in the Northern Virginia community. Your generous support has helped to make this possible.
For more information about the 2024 Jewel College Scholarship winners or the Zeta Upsilon Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc, please contact Bro. Kevin Pullen at (703) 475-7405or Education@jghfdn.org.
About Zeta Upsilon Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha
Zeta Upsilon Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha is dedicated to promoting academic excellence, leadership development, and community service. Through scholarship programs, mentorship initiatives, and service projects, the chapter strives to uplift and empower individuals in Loudoun and Fairfax Counties.
Contact:
Bro. Kevin Pullen
Director of Educational Activities
Zeta Upsilon Lambda Chapter of
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
(703) 475-7405
Websites:
ZUL Chapter - https://www.zul1906.org/
JGH Foundation - https://jghfdn.org/
Scholarship winners’ Bios
Kendall George, a standout from Freedom High School, is destined to make waves in the fashion world. Heading to Drexel University for Fashion Design, her passion for art transcends mere creativity. A seasoned athlete, Kendall thrives in volleyball, embodying quick decision-making and leadership on and off the court. Committed to holistic sustainability, she champions biodegradable textiles, aligning her designs with environmental consciousness. Kendall's journey reflects an open mind, embracing challenges in academics and athletics alike. With the Jewel Scholarship, she aims to fuse her diverse interests, becoming an artist, scientist, and educator dedicated to making a positive impact.
Logan Winthers, a dynamic senior from Potomac Falls High School, embraces her role as a leader with quiet strength and determination. Raised in a bustling household of six, Logan finds inspiration in her blended family, where love and support abound. With dreams as vast as her heart, she sees the Jewel College Scholarship as a gateway to higher education and a platform to make a difference. As a senior class vice president and president of the Black Student Union, Logan is committed to fostering inclusivity and empowerment. With plans to study Hospitality and Tourism Management at Virginia Tech, she’s poised to shine.
Nicole Smith, a graduating senior at Rock Ridge High School, embraces diversity and community engagement. Penn State University-bound, she plans to major in Nutritional Sciences. Passionate about music, Nicole's flute-playing journey mirrors her multicultural experiences. As a Youth Support Group Facilitator with the National Alliance on Mental Illness and a volunteer with Women Giving Back, Nicole advocates for mental health awareness and women's empowerment. With the Jewel Scholarship, she aspires to become "Dr. Nikki" and tackle health disparities among minority populations through research. Nicole's journey is a symphony of resilience, compassion, and determination, echoing melodies of hope for underserved communities.
Anthony Rios is a graduating Senior at Washington-Liberty HS. From Honduras to Virginia, Anthony’s journey has been one of resilience and determination. Raised by his extended family until the age of five, Anthony eventually joined his parents in the U.S., seeking a brighter future. Despite challenges, Anthony has carved his own path, fueled by the dream of higher education. Now, on the brink of adulthood, Anthony is determined to break barriers and become the first in his family to graduate college. With the Jewel Scholarship, Anthony plans to pursue Information Technology and Business, aiming to build his own IT business and mentor at-risk youth. Together, we'll turn obstacles into opportunities and rivers into pathways of success.
Braxton Washington, a senior at Mill Brook HS in Winchester, VA, is a passionate young man with a love for gaming and creativity. Diagnosed with High Functioning Autism, Braxton has overcome communication challenges and honed his skills in game design, drawing, and coding. His journey leads him to George Mason University's Computer Game Design program, where he will blend his passions into a career. As Braxton embarks on this new chapter, the Jewel Scholarship is his beacon of hope, easing financial burdens and allowing him to focus on his studies. With gratitude, Braxton looks forward to embracing independence, making lasting connections, and pursuing his dream debt-free.
Fueled by hope and driven by ambition, Bryce J. Gunn is honored to receive the Jewel Scholarship. Committed to education and equity, Bryce is inspired by James Baldwin's words: "Hope is invented every day." With this scholarship, Bryce plans to pursue academic and athletic excellence at Boston University, striving to become a change-maker as a criminal defense attorney. Despite challenges, Bryce embraced lacrosse, navigating the sport with resilience and determination. As an ambassador and advocate for diversity, Bryce is dedicated to leveling the playing field. With the Jewel Scholarship, Bryce plans continue his journey, empowered to make a lasting impact in his community and beyond.
Jayden Johnson, a resilient individual and senior from Independence High School, is determined to make a difference. Growing up in Loudoun County, Jayden has encountered racism and discrimination, but refuses to let that define him. Through the Joyce-Gillespie-Harrington Foundation, Jayden sees an opportunity to pursue his dreams of studying Cybersecurity at Old Dominion University while honoring the legacy of community leaders who championed education and service. As an advocate for diversity and inclusion, Jayden has led initiatives at his school and empowered fellow students through organizations like the Black Student Union. With this scholarship, Jayden is poised to continue his journey of impact and empowerment.
Meet Nathan Jenkins, a passionate engineer-to-be from Freedom High School. Nathan plans to attend either Va Tech or the University of Arizona, majoring in Aerospace Engineering or Mechanical Engineering. Nathan's journey began in his father's garage, where he honed his mechanical skills by fixing cars and crafting furniture. His fascination with airplanes ignited after visiting the Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum. As an Explainer at the museum and a member of the Academy of Engineering & Technology, Nathan solidified his dream of pursuing aerospace engineering.
As the youngest sibling in a financially challenged family, Nathan values community support. With aspirations to impact the aerospace industry positively, Nathan sees the Jewel College Scholarship as a gateway to achieving his dreams. Through the support of the Joyce Gillespie-Harrington Educational & Charitable Foundation and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Nathan is ready to soar to new heights in his academic and professional journey.
Nicholas Glover, a determined scholar from Potomac Falls High School, is poised to embark on a transformative journey in higher education. Inspired by past challenges, he's committed to Mechanical Engineering. Raised in the shadow of a maximum-security prison, Nicholas forged resilience and academic excellence. The Jewel Scholarship symbolizes validation of his dedication to excellence, leadership, and community engagement. With Jewel's support, Nicholas plans to immerse himself in studies and explore opportunities for transformation. He aims to uplift his community, advocating for positive change within the Black community. Nicholas stands ready to make a profound impact at Alabama A&M or Tuskegee University, armed with education and Jewel's support.
Sean Cousins, a graduating senior from South County High School, is on the brink of a transformative journey in higher education. Contemplating Virginia Tech, William & Mary, or JMU, Sean aims to major in Biology on a Pre-Med Track. His interests span soccer, weightlifting, and cherished movie nights with family. Sean's core values, shaped by his experiences, include standing up for beliefs, taking action to solve problems, and unwavering focus on goals.
In a soccer environment tainted by racial insensitivity, Sean courageously confronted bigotry, sparking positive change. He initiated a fundraiser, amassing over $4,000 to ensure every senior could walk the graduation stage, embodying his commitment to making a difference. Sean's relentless pursuit of his dreams, exemplified by his determination to become a doctor, underscores his dedication to excellence.
The Jewel Scholarship represents more than financial assistance to Sean; it signifies validation of his values and enables him to pursue his aspirations without the burden of overwhelming debt. With this scholarship, Sean is poised to continue his journey of impact and achievement, one conversation topic at a time.
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